After 23 years of living in the shadows, a 48-year-old Georgia man has been arrested and denied bond in connection with the cold case murder of a 23-year-old first-year law student. The victim, Tara Louise Baker, was found dead in her apartment in 2001, and the case has haunted investigators ever since.
On January 19, 2001, a gruesome discovery shook the Athens community in Georgia. Tara Louise Baker, a promising law student at the University of Georgia, was found lifeless in her apartment, the victim of a brutal murder. The circumstances surrounding her death were horrific, leaving investigators with a complex puzzle to solve.
As the years passed, Baker's murder remained unsolved, becoming a cold case that weighed heavily on the hearts of her family and the community. Despite tireless efforts, investigators were unable to identify a suspect, leaving Baker's loved ones in despair.
In September 2023, a glimmer of hope emerged. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) partnered with Athens-Clarke County police to conduct a thorough review of the ongoing investigation into Baker's death. Utilizing advanced forensic techniques and fresh perspectives, they re-examined the evidence, determined to bring justice.
The renewed investigation yielded a breakthrough. On Thursday, February 2, 2023, a 48-year-old Georgia man named Edrick Lamont Faust was arrested in connection with Baker's murder. He was taken into custody and charged with multiple offenses, including murder, two counts of felony murder, aggravated assault, concealing the death of another, arson, and aggravated sodomy.
Faust was brought before the Athens-Clarke County Court for his bond hearing. However, the court denied him bond, ensuring that he would remain in jail until his trial. The decision was welcomed by Baker's family and supporters, who had endured years of uncertainty.
Tara Louise Baker was an exceptional student with a promising future ahead of her. Graduating Cum Laude from Georgia College in 1998 with two bachelor's degrees, she embarked on a legal career at the University of Georgia Law School. Her untimely death shattered the dreams of a bright young woman and left an irreparable void in the lives of those who loved her.
The arrest of Faust is a testament to the tireless efforts of law enforcement officers, both past and present. The GBI, Athens-Clarke County Police Department, and countless others have worked diligently to solve this cold case, providing a glimmer of closure to Baker's family.
Georgia Governor Brian Kemp expressed his gratitude to the investigators for their unwavering determination. He commended the Coleman-Baker Act, signed into law in 2022, which provides resources and support to families seeking justice in cold cases.
The arrest and denial of bond for Edrick Lamont Faust marks a significant step forward in the Tara Louise Baker murder case. While it cannot fully mend the shattered lives of her loved ones, it brings a sense of justice and closure that has been long awaited. As the legal process unfolds, the memory of Tara Baker will continue to inspire those dedicated to bringing criminals to justice and providing solace to victims' families.
